No Coincidences

Tag: scripture

Truths Removed from the Bible: What does the Book of Mormon tell us about Baptism?

I like to think about what critics would say as proof against the Book of Mormon. I think it helps to have responses to honest concerns about its validity. I always hope something I read, know, or especially my testimony can one day help someone to see what I see, the truth of this ancient record.

The Book of Mormon makes a very important claim. The claim is that many plain and precious truths have been removed from the Bible over time. When Joseph Smith first translated the Book of Mormon this was an outlandish and inflammatory statement. Even more so than today. Christianity in the early to mid-1800s had a firm belief that the Bible was infallible.

From a website (https://stepbystep.alancminer.com/) I’ve loved using to study alongside the Book of Mormon, I read this:

“Richardson, Richardson and Bentley write that while the Book of Mormon testifies to the authenticity of the Bible, it does not claim that the Bible is without error. It specifically states that there were many “plain and precious things” that were deleted from its pages through the evil works of men. (See 1 Nephi 13:20-32; 19:10-12; 20:1-3; 2 Nephi 3:5-22; Alma 33:3, 13, 15; 34:7; 46:23-27; Helaman 8:19-20; 15:11; 3 Nephi 10:14-17; 12:13, 17-19, 22, 29-30; 14:1.)

Scholars of the Bible have found indisputable evidence that the Bible has indeed suffered many deletions. Non Mormon scholarship has concluded that the gospels found in the New Testament have also been manipulated.”

Critics may ask for specific examples of any “plain and precious truths” found in the Book of Mormon that are not also found in the Bible.

The website I mentioned above goes on to list 24 plain and precious truths removed from the Bible and where they are laid forth in the Book of Mormon. I’d like to go over an extremely important one.

Baptism is only for those who are accountable (Moroni 8:5-23).

I know of nowhere in the Bible that lays forth the age of accountability. Should children be baptized? We know baptism is of the utmost importance:

John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

What does the Book of Mormon teach us on the subject of baptism? Moroni chapter 8 is full of profound truths found nowhere in the Bible. I will quote portions of the chapter here but encourage everyone to read the chapter and ponder its truthfulness.

8 “the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me (Jesus Christ), that it hath no power over them”

9 “I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.”

10 “repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.”

11 “And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism.”

12 “But little children are alive in Christ…if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respector of persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!”

15 “For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.”

19 “Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of mercy.”

20 “And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.”

Who can read this and deny the truth that speaks to your heart and soul? It is so clearly laid out. So perfectly explained.

What about how to baptize? There is so much confusion in the world on not only when but how. Does the Book of Mormon provide an answer? Of course! 3 Nephi 11:24-28.

24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:

25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.

28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

How lucky we are to live in the dispensation of the fullness of times. I’m grateful for the Book of Mormon. I’m grateful that it clarifies what has been a point of contention within Christianity for centuries.

Christ was our ultimate example.

2 Nephi 31:5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized yea, even by water!

Click below to learn more about baptism as it has been perfectly restored through the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/true-to-the-faith/baptism?lang=eng

October 1, 2020
Prayer

I don’t know exactly what I want to say on this topic because I still feel like it’s something I’m learning more about every single day. Of course, I do have some thoughts. Though, since it’s still something I’m always trying to understand better, these thoughts may be seemingly random with no organization whatsoever. I know, you’re probably thinking, “uhm……. What else is new.” My response, “be quiet and just keep reading.”

Christ taught to pray always. He taught to have a prayer in our hearts. He gave parables for us to understand. One parable is of the unjust judge who didn’t care about anyone or anything. But, because a woman bothered him he decided to help her simply because he didn’t want to be bothered by her. Christ’s point with that parable was that, since a man who didn’t care about anybody gave in to being bothered, why wouldn’t God? I agree with what you’re thinking, I find the story kind of… interesting as well. Like God is this person being pestered to the point of answering. I don’t think that’s what Christ meant at all. He meant that our Father is all loving. So, how much more is He likely and willing to help us simply if we ask?

I’ve thought a lot about how Christ prayed. How powerful those prayers must have been. We see mention in the scriptures of the power of His prayers. It was often said that the words couldn’t be repeated for they were so powerful. My favorite is Third Nephi 17: 15-17 which reads

15 And when he had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him.

16 And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father;

17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.

Gives me goosebumps.

Just think about that. Christ’s prayer was so powerful that it brought joy to those who just listened. What love must have been expressed.

There are also many examples of Christ going off on His own to pray in the New Testament. Many times He’d be gone for hours praying. I won’t list these scriptural examples but there are plenty. What does this tell us? Even Christ prayed, how much more need we to pray?

I’ve seen many miracles come about from prayer but maybe the most amazing thing about those miracles is that they don’t quickly come to mind. I’ve felt the power of prayer and yet often forget when I have had a prayer answered. I try to record them, so I don’t forget. One small example happened once at work. I was at work and really overwhelmed. Many requests were coming in for things I needed to help with. I had a meeting coming up that I wasn’t prepared for. I really needed to take some time to gather some information for this meeting. Otherwise I’d be going in and possibly make a fool of myself from being so unprepared. I was getting more overwhelmed by the moment.

As I started to panic I remembered, like a slap to the face, to pray. Sitting at someone’s computer trying to fix a problem for them, I silently prayed for help, patience, and peace. I immediately felt better. Within a couple minutes the person whom I had my meeting with walked by and said they had something come up and we’d have to delay our meeting. This gave me time to go and gather all the information I needed.

This happened years ago but it’s an experience I’ve held to, to remember the power of prayer. These experiences happen daily. I know they do. I also know we often don’t notice them. If we constantly have a prayer in our heart, God is constantly looking to show us how much He loves us.

I try to remember this story especially when I feel I’m not receiving answers to prayers. In church many people tell stories of receiving their powerful answer. Many people talk about the warm feeling in their chest. I don’t know how much I’ve experienced those feelings. I do know I’ve felt peace. I do know I’ve received answers. Often though, they don’t come. My faith is that I can develop my skills in prayer and be better at receiving the answers God has for me and accepting when He doesn’t have an answer to give me at that moment.

I think one day we’ll learn of the profound nature of prayer. It likely won’t be until the next life. I believe when we pray spectacular things happen around us that we don’t see. The book, Visions of Glory talks about how when we’re feeling temptation or we’re in a negative environment, just a thought of prayer allows angels to surround and protect us. I believe we are blind to the constant influences of good and evil around us. I mean literal beings of light and darkness that want to influence us. I think when we pray the heavens are moved and we are given protection. Think about that. If you knew that a prayer brought an angel to be by your side and watch and protect you, would you ever stop praying?

She Will Find What is Lost by Brian Kershisni

My last thought I want to mention is that, for me, I’ve learned my life is better when I pray better. It’s not something we notice unless we really, really stop and think about it. But I’ve come to realize it’s true. Stop and think about your day then think back on your prayers. Did you have an amazing day? Maybe an awesome conversation came about. Maybe, if you’re a member of the church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…or any church for that matter), you had a great opportunity to share something about church or the gospel. Maybe you just had a clarity of mind, a focus at work. Maybe you had a productive day and just felt good. How was your prayer that day? How about days that you feel like you’re drudging along, impatient, short with people, not interested in talking or being friendly? How was your prayer that day? I think if we inventory our prayers and compare it to our resultant day, we’d be blown away by the correlation. Our prayers bring power, it’s something I’ve learned.

The funny (or sad) thing, even with this “understanding” I claim to have, I still fall into mundane prayers. Repetitive, mindless prayers. When I do, I see my days suffer. For some reason it’s hard. We fall into a rut. We can’t focus on what we’re saying. I sometimes even feel like He’s not there. Then I have to remember He’s always there. If someone is lacking in the partnership between myself and God, it is definitely me. I have to be vigilant and strive to pray with focus and intent. I have to express gratitude and actually mean it. I have to thank Heavenly Father for His plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and actually think about it and mean it. I have to consider what I would be without repentance. When I do these things, my life is better.

When I have a prayer in my heart constantly, I am happier. I feel light. I feel love. I’m more willing to serve and I’m more patient. I’m more aware of opportunities to do good. I’m not special in this regard, in fact there are so many out there saying their prayers the right way. I think as we pray better, we can be better, and we can help each other. I believe this world would be a much better place if we all kept a prayer in our hearts.

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To learn more about prayer please check out these links:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/prayer?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-8-praying-to-our-heavenly-father?lang=eng

The title is outdated but I thought this video did a good job of showing how to pray:

June 25, 2020
Book Review: The Joseph Smith Translation. Precious Truths Restored

The Joseph Smith Translation. Precious Truths Restored

by W. Jeffrey Marsh

Copyright 2002

______________________

There are multiple ways I judge a book. It can be so entertaining I can’t put it down. I can feel enlightened by it, like I’m learning constantly through its pages. Ideally a book does both. I think this book more was on the enlightened, learning something from it category.

I realize most people aren’t going to enjoy the books I’m enjoying. Few people get excited about learning about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a book I wish every active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would read. It did so many things for me: taught gospel truths, built my testimony of Joseph Smith and his divine call, and probably the biggest thing I took away from it, better understanding of the Bible.

A statement from the summary on the back of the book states it:

“will guide you through the history, significance, and insights found in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible.”

The biggest takeaway I got from this book was the knowledge of how blessed I am to have the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible and the fact that I’ve never once doubted its truthfulness and divine nature. The book goes a lot into the history of the JST. I didn’t know there were many years that the JST was regarded skeptically by members of the Church.

I am truly grateful to be living while I’m living, with so much truth and light surrounding me. This book helped me appreciate how lucky I am. There was a part of the book where the author talked about how there would one day be a generation that never doubted the divine nature of the Joseph Smith Translation. He talked about how that generation will know the scriptures better than any prior generation. That generation will know Jesus Christ better than any prior generation, due to the truths restored by Joseph Smith. He talked about this generation that will have more fullness of scriptures than any generation ever had. Truly the fullness of times.

This made me appreciate my place in time, my place in history, my place in the fullness of times more than ever. It’s never been a doubt to me that the Joseph Smith Translation is holy scripture and worth studying. It helps me trust Joseph Smith as a prophet and teaches me more about Jesus Christ.

I know these things aren’t to be taken for granted. Our generation isn’t gifted greater scriptural knowledge simply by living now. We must study and learn. If we devote ourselves to the Word of God, there is more out there for us to devour and grow from than any people on this earth has ever had the opportunity to know.

I’m so grateful to be alive today and I’m so grateful to Joseph Smith for the truths he restored.

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To learn more about the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible go here:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/joseph-smiths-bible-translation?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-translation-of-the-bible?lang=eng

May 22, 2020
Parents

**Written in June of 2019**

My dad hates baseball. I hate baseball. My dad played basketball in high school. I played basketball in high school. My dad is pretty ‘eh’ about football. He doesn’t hate it but he’s also not super passionate about it. How do you think I feel about football?

We generally follow our dad or parents’ lead in many ways. I used sports because it’s a simple and easy example that is often true. Another example is country music. Dad hates it and I hate it. Why is this important? As I often do, I thought about this in a spiritual context.

In the church, parents are implored to raise their children with the scriptures and to teach them of Jesus Christ. To teach them of their Heavenly Father. The scriptures are the gateway into this knowledge. I’ve recently been thinking about the importance of raising kids to have knowledge of what’s truly important. That, with love, will shape children into what they will become.

It’s hard to quantify how the way I was raised impacted who I am today. I wouldn’t say my parents were the most vigilant scriptorians. To be honest, I don’t remember reading the scriptures as a family, though I’m sure there were times. Despite that, I always knew they were important. Even if we didn’t always read them, I respected them. That’s potentially the most important thing my parents gave me, a respect for scripture. The same thing goes for church. We may not have gone every week but growing up I knew it was important.

Consider a scriptural example of young men raised right. They were raised to love their parents and love their freedom. The account of the two thousand stripling warriors in the book of Alma shows us the profound influence good parents can have on children. The parents of those 2,000 young men made a covenant not to raise weapons ever again against their brethren. They were willing to die first. Their children made no such covenant. Since these children loved their parents, God, and their freedom, they willingly went to battle.

The story is well known in the Church. For those who aren’t familiar, go read chapter 56 in Alma of the Book of Mormon. Of those 2,000 young men, not a single life was lost. Many were hurt and injured, but not one killed. They fought in a war and all were accounted for. What explains this? Their faith. Alma 56:47-48 reads “Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.” These young men were raised to trust God. The impact of their parents’ teachings made them powerful warriors.

Scripture becomes even more important because of the world we live in today. We are surrounded by temptation. The world has turned from God, turned from Christ. We’ve started to depend on our own knowledge and understanding. It’s interesting, at the time we have the most access to scripture and to the lessons of the past, we have most aggressively turned from God. The time will come as it always does when God will remind man of their weak and feeble state. We’ve become so used to buying food at the grocery store, we forget where that food ultimately comes from. Drought and famine will happen, even in our modern, comfortable world. Then people will turn to God. It will be too late, as we see in scripture.

Now is the time to raise children with a love of God. Not a fear, a love. That love comes from reading the scriptures. Love for God comes from seeing all that He has given us. We are nothing and have nothing without Him.

Alma 57:21 reads, “Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them.” And in verse 27, “Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.”

It’s so important that youth today are raised with faith. Our future depends on them. Their faith will be the most important thing they have as the world becomes increasingly faithless. Parents must be examples to their children first and lead them to the scriptures second. I’m not a parent yet, but I hope one day to have kids that are filled with faith, love for others, and a humble appreciation for all that God has given them. I often ponder what I can do to instill these values in my future children.

The answer is simple: direct them to the scriptures.

We’ll Bring the World His Truth (Army of Helaman) – The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

If you liked this post and also love the scriptures because of your parents, share this with them to thank them.

March 22, 2020
Fear

I was reading Jacob chapter 4 in the Book of Mormon recently and something struck me. One small statement in one verse:

“Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you.”

Let me repeat that…

“…if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you.”

How could Jacob, the great prophet and brother of Nephi, be shaken from his firmness in the Spirit? He says right there at the end – anxiety for you.

I’d like to expound upon an emotion that can really and truly harm us – fear.

Jacob is clear with this statement. Fear can shake us from the Spirit, from revelation, from God.

Fear is a tool of Satan. I feel a need to write this right now. The world is increasingly fearful. At this moment, amid this virus, fear is rampant. Satan reigns. The Earth is his kingdom. He has put fear into the hearts of almost all men and women.

We see it everywhere. Just look at the empty shelves in the grocery store.

What other examples of fear do we have in scripture?

There was Moses with the Israelites at the Red Sea with Pharaoh bearing down on them. The Israelites feared and Moses told them, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, The Lord shall fight for you.” The Lord then spoke to Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.”

There was Alma the Younger as told in the Book of Mormon. He was gripped by fear and despair. He thought of that one name, that one being that could save him. Jesus Christ. Immediately, he was released from his despair.

Satan immediately attacked Moses after his great vision of eternity. Moses 1:20 reads,

“And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear he saw the bitterness of hell. NEVERTHELESS, calling upon God, he received strength.”

Finally, there was Joseph Smith in a quiet, peaceful grove. Satan came for him and he feared. But Joseph fought and called upon God. As the light of God and Jesus Christ descended upon Joseph the darkness retreated.

Notice the pattern here. Satan has a tendency to attack before great things are to happen. So, when you feel that fear and it feels like the jaws of hell are opening to overtake you, and you just can’t take anymore because it has become too much to bear, remember the light that will follow. Once Satan starts his all-out attack we will know the earth-shattering miracles are coming. Satan is attacking. Light is coming.

I feel it’s important for us to keep our hope. Recently, amidst all this craziness, I had a moment of fear. My heart was beating and I was worrying about the future. Then I stopped. I reminded myself that I have known these sorts of events were coming. I’ve been blessed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to know that these events have been foretold for thousands of years. I’m not saying this is the end. But if it were, what does that mean? It means Christ is coming back.

DO NOT let fear overtake you. Whatever point in history we’re at, whatever is next, we know we’ll be okay. We know it will work out the way God intends. What a comfort that is.

Fear is of Satan, not of God. If we let fear overtake us, we are letting Satan overtake us.

Even if a gun is to your head, take comfort. Because of Christ’s eternal atonement and sacrifice you can always take comfort. The worst case is you return to your Maker and see your Savior. In these times, don’t forget the most important thing. Don’t forget Him. Don’t deny Him. Christ never denied you. The WORST thing that could happen is going home to Him. Is that really the worst thing? Take comfort, and fight fear. Don’t let Satan win your heart. Now, more than ever, we must be strong, faithful, and keep hope. Keep Christ in your heart. When that fear intrudes, kneel and pray.

You will feel Him and fear will leave. I promise.

Fear not, the Lord fights for you. Move forward with faith. Look to Christ as your salvation. Call upon God and you will receive strength.

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There’s a comment section below. I’d really like to hear from you. Please leave any thoughts, input, or experiences. If you liked it, please feel free to share. Thanks!

March 21, 2020